Lupe Tijerina, a well-known singer and accordionist of the norteno band Los Cadetes de Linares, passed away on September 23, 2023, following a car accident on the New Mexico highway. He was 69 years old and left behind a legacy of music and passion that spanned decades and crossed borders.
Who was Lupe Tijerina?
Lupe Tijerina Martinez was born in 1953 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He was a relative of Guadalupe Tijerina, one of the original founders of Los Cadetes de Linares, a norteno group that became popular in the 70s and 80s for songs like “Dos coronas a mi madre”, “Los dos amigos”, and “El palomito”. Lupe joined the group in 1974 as an accordionist and second voice, alongside Homero Guerrero De La Cerda, who was the lead singer and composer.
Lupe and Homero recorded several albums and toured extensively in Mexico and the United States, where they gained a loyal fan base and influenced many other norteno artists. They also appeared in several Mexican films, showcasing their musical talent and charisma. Lupe became known for his distinctive style of playing the accordion, which he learned from his father.
How did Lupe Tijerina die?
Lupe Tijerina’s cause of death was a car accident that occurred on September 23, 2023, around 4:27 a.m., when he was traveling from New Mexico City to Braxton, California. According to his son, who revealed the details on social media, Lupe lost control of his vehicle at kilometer 40 of the New Mexico highway and crashed into a guardrail. His son said he did not know if Lupe had a heart attack or fell asleep at the wheel, but the car was completely destroyed.
Lupe was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:01 a.m., according to Sportskeeda. His son also said that the family was receiving many calls and messages of condolences from fans and friends, and that they would announce the funeral arrangements soon. He thanked everyone for their love and support, and said that it would not be easy for him and his family to adapt to not having Lupe around.
What is Lupe Tijerina’s legacy?
Lupe Tijerina’s legacy is his contribution to norteno music, a genre that originated in northern Mexico and southern Texas, and blends elements of polka, waltz, corrido, ranchera, and cumbia. Lupe was part of Los Cadetes de Linares, one of the most influential and successful norteno bands of all time, which has sold millions of records and received multiple awards and recognitions.
Lupe continued to perform with Los Cadetes de Linares after Homero Guerrero died in another car accident in 1982. He also collaborated with other norteno groups, such as Los Tigres del Norte, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, and Los Huracanes del Norte. He was respected and admired by his peers and fans for his musical talent, professionalism, and humility.
Lupe is survived by his family members, whose identities have not been revealed yet. He will be remembered as a legend of norteno music, who left behind a rich repertoire of songs that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
